CVE-2018-5451 in Alice 6
Summary
by MITRE
In Philips Alice 6 System version R8.0.2 or prior, when an actor claims to have a given identity, the software does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct. This weakness can lead to the exposure of resources or functionality to unintended actors, possibly providing attackers with sensitive information or the ability to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5451 affects the Philips Alice 6 System version R8.0.2 and earlier releases, representing a critical authentication weakness that undermines the system's ability to validate user identities properly. This flaw resides in the system's identity verification mechanisms where the software fails to adequately authenticate claims made by actors attempting to access the system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient or absent cryptographic proof mechanisms that should validate assertions about user identities, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to system resources and functionalities.
This authentication bypass vulnerability operates at the core of the system's security architecture, specifically targeting the identity assertion and validation processes. The weakness allows malicious actors to potentially impersonate legitimate users or gain access to unauthorized system components without proper authorization. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, making it particularly dangerous as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and access sensitive system information. The absence of robust identity proof mechanisms creates a fundamental security gap that can be exploited across multiple attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can provide attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the system environment. This represents a severe escalation from basic information disclosure to full system compromise, potentially allowing threat actors to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system, as unauthorized actors can manipulate system resources and potentially disrupt critical medical procedures or data processing functions. The Alice 6 System, being a medical imaging platform, poses additional risks when compromised, potentially affecting patient safety and healthcare delivery operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5451 should focus on implementing robust authentication mechanisms that enforce strong identity proof requirements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Philips Alice 6 System version R8.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to address this vulnerability. The remediation process should include enabling multi-factor authentication, implementing proper certificate-based authentication, and establishing strong cryptographic proof mechanisms for identity validation. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor system access logs for suspicious activities. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access control policies can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that authentication mechanisms function as intended. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, emphasizing the importance of strong authentication controls to prevent unauthorized system access.